Saturday, October 25, 2014

Sing, Sing a Song Saturday

Sing, Sing a Song Saturday is all about me discovering something that is different. I don't want to post things that you and I have more than likely heard before. I want to find something different. It could be from another country, someone singing from the streets of NY, and more.

This week I'm covering something I'm familiar with, but you may not be. They have a lot of views on YouTube, but were never mainstream. The band is called Portishead. I have to be honest I don't know that much about the band other than what their music sounds like. It's pretty, and creepy all at the same time.

Source
I love that they play with all different sounds in their music. Their sound includes a full blown orchestra when they perform.

They are from the UK. The band formed in 1991 in Bristol. They are named after the nearby town of the same name, eight miles west of Bristol. The vocals are from Beth Gibbons. Geoff Barrow is the person in the band that gets into short films, and mixing. He actually has worked with Depeche Mode and Peter Gabrielle, and more.


Both Gibbons and Barrow are media-shy. They refused to participate in any interviews, which meant that the album received little attention outside of the weekly U.K. music press, which praised the album and its two singles, "Numb" and "Sour Times," heavily.




Their last album Third wasn't known in the US. It's so interesting to listen to!

Roads



All Mine


Check out their website
Like Portishead on Facebook.
Follow Portishead on Twitter.

"Suffering for your art is most definitely overrated but I do get a certain, I don't know, satisfaction from being able to deal with my paranoia and insecurity." -Beth Gibbons

Friday, October 24, 2014

Contrast and Compare

I don't think there's anything wrong with comparing my kids. When one lacks in something, the other lacks in something different. When one is great at something, the other is great at something else. In the end one isn't better than another, they are just different.

  • Isaak listens to us when it comes to adding details. He wants to make things better. Mica's mind is much like an encyclopedia. He's book smart, but rarely wants to go back to check his work, or add details. 
  • Isaak's very good at math, Mica's very good at reading. 
  • Mica's an overall smart student, Isaak's average, but more egar to do better with things. 
  • Mica's good at drawing, but he has no interest in it. Isaak's not as good at drawing, but he can build something out of junk and make it look good.
  • Mica's great with instructions for Legos, and Lowes Clinic projects. Isaak's more like, To hell with instructions. I'll make this work. I can make it look cool.
  • Mica's great at historical facts. Isaak shows little interest in historical facts, but is really into current things going on around him.
  • Mica's a great teacher if people let him be. Isaak is more the home clown (at least right now he is). Isaak tries to make people laugh. 
  • Isaak's a feeler. He wants to know how your day went, and he's open to talk about his. Mica's not a feeler. Mica doesn't hang on to things like Isaak. He lets things roll off his back. Isaak will bring up things that happened weeks ago, and play it off as something that happened recently.
  • Mica's more independent, always has been. That can come off as selfish at times. Isaak's more dependent, always has been. That can come off as annoying. Isaak generally doesn't want to do things by himself. He wants other people to be involved at all times.
  • Mica's more like his Dad, and Isaak's more like me his Mom.

Daddy had Mica write a story. Mica used a lot of big words. Many of the facts in the story were missing. Daddy kept asking Mica questions throughout his story. Mica matter of factly said, "Well I was thinking this _____, but didn't write it." Isaak mentally took note of this.



Since the boy's magic show, Isaak decided to write a story about the show they preformed. It's now 5 pages long. 

Isaak asks me how to spell most of the words he wants to write. Sometimes I spell them too quickly. Isaak said to me, "Mom how about I whistle at you when I'm done writing a few letters?" 

I said, "Ok Isaak." 

So...I have gotten whistled at a lot lately.

Random Tid Bits

  1. School is back in session. All the kids that were doing poorly haven't been back to my class.

    That wouldn't bother me too much, but our numbers are down. One student I think is really good, and I hope we don't loose him because skateboarding and sleeping is more of an interest to him right now. It would be a shame. I sometimes wish I could shake students that are this age. As if to say, "Wake up. This industry is hard. You need to work at it to succeed." Not only that, but they are wasting their money if they aren't serious. 

  2. I had conferences for the boys last night. I'll post about how they went this weekend. 

  3. Daddy has a show this weekend that he's setting up for. I can't wait for it to be over and done with! I've done much of the meal preparation. It takes time!

  4. This sculpture is 98% done:

  5. Daddy got a piece of metal in his eye. He was wearing protective glasses, but not a shield. He went a day without going to the doctor. He washed his eye out, he put eye drops in, and he tried a magnet to get it out. Nothing worked. In the end he did go to the doctor, they got it out, and gave him antibiotics.

  6. What do you bet our bill for the eye doctor is just as much as a sculpture in the end? Isn't it ironic! Don't you think?

  7. My nephew Emerson was supposed to have surgery right about now. He had a cold a few weeks ago. Now it's postponed to December. I asked my sister, "What are the chances he won't get sick by then?" She said, "True. I wanted them to do the surgery in August, but all the doctors couldn't do it at the same time."

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Gene Leahy Mall

I never really knew why they call Gene Leahy Mall a mall. It's more like a park. It has big giant metal slides that even adults can go on, ducks, water, and areas to explore.



We weren't planning on going to Gene Leahy Mall, but if I knew we were I would have brought wax paper. The slides are super fast and fun then!

Daddy stays at the top to watch them, and I stay at the bottom. There's always a ton of people there.






This dragon fly just sat there, and let me take its picture. You know winter is just around the corner when a bug lets you do that.


If you ever come to Omaha, Nebraska this is a great spot. I search in every area I go for a spot just for the kids to run around, and let loose.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Mexican Chicken and Pumpkin Soup

A few weeks ago I processed a few pumpkins. I didn't want to make only unhealthy things. I looked up pumpkin soups.

There's two problems I have with pumpkin soup:

1) The boys do not like it.

2) There isn't protein in it to fill the boys up.

I found a Pumpkin Soup Recipe with Chicken in it. This recipe is derived from here.


If you like Mexican things, you'll like this soup.


Everyone in my house loved this soup!

What's your favorite kind of soup?

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

WW: Crazy Selfie {Linky}

This was an accident photo. I moved the camera before it shot the photo. I kind of like how it turned out though.





If you have a moment please enter my low entry giveaway for your choice of Rock N Learn DVD, or CD. Open to the US.
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Monday, October 20, 2014

Do You Believe in Magic?

The boys gave Daddy and I their Cat in the Hat tickets, and said to use them at our house to see a magic show. We handed our tickets to Mica, and he punched it with a hole puncher.

We both sat down to enjoy our magic show.

Isaak was the star of the show. Mica told him what to do. 
Typical for a big brother to tell the little brother what to do.

 
Isaak pulled a rabbit out of a hat. 
He covered his hat with his magic cape, and did all the action under the cape. I really couldn't figure out how he did it. ;)

They did a few other tricks.

The pen was their wand. 

After their show they had a question and answer session time.

The cape I got a long time ago for review. It was from a company called Bean Soup. They had cute aprons on their site to. They must have gone under. Sadly their site no longer exists. 

Here's Isaak when I first got it. He loved walking around with that thing on!


Here he is today. Just as cute, but a little bit older.

Youth Express Eye Gel Review

I've always had what my mom called, "Allergy Eyes" my whole life. Some days are worse than others. I also have really light skin, so I'm sure the dark circles stand out me like a sore thumb.


Insta Natural sent me Youth Express Eye Gel - Ultimate Eye and Face Treatment to review.

1.7 FL Oz/ 50 ML - It's originally $89.99, but marked down to $23.75! That's a HUGE discount!






I've only been using the product for a few days. I haven't noticed the dark circles going away just yet, but I have however noticed the puffy feeling under my eyes eliminated. It feels like I'm more awake when I first put it on.

Yesterday I processed leaves all day long, so I would think my eyes would look and feel horrible today. They don't look and feel too bad.

Directions:

Clean your face. You just need a little bit of their gel on a fingertip, and pat it under, and around the eyes twice a day. My skin is sensitive. I haven't noticed any burning, just a tiny tingling feeling. The product does contain tree nuts. If there is an allergic reaction, discontinue use.

 It can be used on the rest of the face if your face is aging.

It has a cucumber smell to me.


About Youth Express Eye Gel:

It's enriched with Plant Stem Cells, Hyaluronic Acid, Matrixyl 3000, Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil to help with dark circles, wrinkles, puffiness, and sagging skin.

The blend of powerful ingredients increases elasticity and enhances the tone of your skin. It provides a firm, plump appearance.

Full List of Ingredients:

Deionized Water, Organic Aloe, Matrixyl 3000, Palmitoyl Triepeptide-3, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Plant Stem Cells, Cucumber Hydrosol, Organic Jojoba Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Methylsulfonylmethane, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum Silk Amino, Acid Blend (Sodium L-Pyrrolidone Carboxylate, Sodium Lactate, L'Arginine, L-Aspartic Acid, L-Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid, Glycine, L-Alanine, L-Serine, L-Valine, L-Proline, L-threonine, L-isoleucine, L-Histidine, L-Phenylalanine), Periwinkle (Wildcrafted Vinca Major), Organic Licorice (Glycyrrhize Glabra), Wildcrafted Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum), Organic Gotu Kola, Frankincense (Boswellia Serrata), Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate), Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin

  • Plant Stem Cells- Helps stop premature aging of the skin
  • Matrixyl 3000 – Tightens and firms the skin( around the eyes)
  •  Hyaluronic Acid- Moisturizes your skin deeply
  • Other Ingredients- Jojoba Oil, Aloe, Vitamin E, Cucumber, etc.

The only ingredient that popped out as a red flag for me was: Methylsulfonylmethane (I had to look this one up as I'm allergic to a lot of sulfates. MSM is a chemical found in plants, animals, and humans. It can also be made in a laboratory. People use it as a medicine. That's the only ingredient I questioned.) 

On their site it does say, SAFE & NATURAL INGREDIENTS - They are proud to use natural ingredients in our product with NO parabens, sulfates or alcohol. It is also full of organic ingredients and safe to use on ALL skin types. Our gentle, cooling ingredients glide on smooth to not irritate the delicate eye area. Each bottle is made in the USA in our FDA Registered Facility to ensure top quality for our customers.

So far I've had no reactions. My eyes feel more alive when using this product.



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Like Insta Natural on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+

I received a Insta Natural product in exchange for writing this post. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Rock N Learn DVD or CD #Giveaway


I got Rock N Learn Earth Science DVD to review. This is a $19.99 value. 



This is the DVD Mica wanted from their catalog! He said, "Mom I like weather, I know I'll love their Earth Science DVD!"


I love that they have CDs and DVDs that are for older kids. This DVD is for grades: 3-8, but can be enjoyed by anyone really.


Earth Science is about:
  • Alternative Energy
  • Weathering and Erosion
  • Volcanoes and Plate Tectonics
  • Properties of Minerals
  • Geology (Types of Rocks)
  • Weather and the Water Cycle
  • The Solar System
The DVD is about a boy named Kevin who needs to study for his science test. Marko the Pencil, Terra the globe, and Bailey the butterfly help Kevin learn about earth science.

The boys thought it was funny that there is a character named Terra in it. She is the globe that likes to eat nachos Pacman style. They have an Aunt named Terra, so it added to the humor. 

There is a special bonus section where you can learn about the secrets to scoring high on multiple-choice science tests. Where was this when I was little? 

There are free study materials that go along with the DVD: MarkoThePencil.com

There is also a ruler/bookmark that comes with their products!

I went over with the boys on how to measure. I know this is hard to believe, but I have some college students that can not measure. I don't know if they choose not to listen to that part of school, or if schools just don't have the time to go into measuring. Regardless we have to go over how to measure every year in their Typography course.




It's Giveaway Time!

One US reader has a chance to win a Rock N Learn DVD or CD of your choice!  This would make a great holiday gift. I love that they have products for little kids and big kids.

Can't wait to win? Use this coupon code for 25% off your entire purchase: KR8822 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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I received a DVD mentioned above for free. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 


Pure Yacon Syrup Sugar Substitute Review

I was given Pure Yacon Syrup to review. It's a natural sugar substitute. I'm pretty careful about sugar substitutes. Studies on Aspartame have been really bad! Yacon Syrup is a sweetening agent extracted from the tuberous roots of the Yacon plant, which is indigenous to the Andes mountains.


Pure Yacon Syrup is High in Prebiotics

It contains up to 67% FOS (Fructooligosaccharides), which among other benefits helps produce the friendly bacteria Microbiotas improving the function of the intestinal tract.

Unlike many other sugar substitutes and low calorie sweeteners Yacon Syrup has a high fiber content and aids in the lowering of cholesterol and your blood sugar levels. It's great to use if you have diabetes in your family.

It Helps Boost the Immune System, and With Weight Loss

Yacon Syrup naturally boosts weight loss as it not only acts as an appetite suppressant helping curb your appetite and your calorie intake but also by boosting your metabolism and increasing energy levels helping you burn more calories.

Boosts energy levels in the human body allowing you to burn more calories.

.
I've mentioned this before on my blog: Yacon Syrup tastes more like molasses than sugar.



What can you use it in?


I've been trying to stay away from making things like cookies {except for bake sales at my son's school}, but you could use Yacon as a substitute for molasses. Any cookie that has molasses in it - use Yacon Syrup instead.



I've used just a spoonful in coffee, and in smoothies.

I Also Make My Own Concoction:

This is great for if you have a cold, dry cough, or just simply feel like drinking something besides water. 

Fill a small mason jar with 2 sprigs of thyme, or rosemary. Stuff it with slices of lemon wedges, add finely chopped ginger, add 4 whole cloves, and pour 1/2 the jar with local honey, and the other 1/2 the jar with Yacon Syrup. Put in the refrigerator for a few hours before use.

Add a spoonful, or 2 to your water, stir, and you have a wonderful drink!

  • The Yacon Syrup is full of prebiotics and fiber
  • The ginger reduces inflammation of any kind
  • Cloves are anti-inflamnitory as
  • The rosemary is a great source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B6
  • The lemon has vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber
  • Local honey can help fight allergies



What Does This Concoction Taste like?
  
It tastes like sweet lemon water.


100% Pure Yacon Syrup Manufactured In The USA at an FDA approved facility that follows Good Manufacturing Process (GMP).

It's originally $49.99, and on sale for  $13.99. That's a huge sale! The link to their Amazon page is in the first line of this post.

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Disclaimer

The opinions on this blog are my personal take on products and topics relating to motherhood. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me.

I am not compensated to provide opinions on a variety of topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are my own. If I claim to show knowledge of certain topic or product I will only endorse products or services that I feel, based on my expertise, are worthy of such endorsement.

If you have any questions about this blog, or want to get in contact with me please email me at: anapeladay@gmail.com